“So listen to our hearts…”

One contemporary song that we sing is entitled, “Listen to our hearts.” The gist of the song is that we cannot tell God, Jesus, and the Spirit how much we love them in mere words, but if they examine our hearts they will know just how much we love and appreciate everything they have done for us. The sentiment is great and it is usually sung with enthusiasm. The chorus goes like this:

So listen to our hearts, Hear our spirits sing, A song of praise that flows,
From those You have redeemed, We will use the words we know,
To tell You what an awesome God You are, But words are not enough,
To tell You of our love, So listen to our hearts.

I like the song because it forces me to take a closer look at my heart. What I often find is that my heart is cold, inactive, and not nearly as loving as it should be. If my heart was full and overflowing with love for God, I should be a better servant! I should be a better student of his word! I should be a better source of encouragement to those who are hurting! I should be a better steward of the mind and abilities he has entrusted to me!

Sometimes this realization jolts me to repentance, resulting in a revitalized outlook on my walk with God. My heart is softened and my life aligns more with God’s rule for my heart. It always reminds me of the astounding words spoken to Asa the King in 2 Chron. 16:9 “For the eyes of the Lord look to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His.”

In considering this, I always try to do better. I quit comparing my self with other men, but compare myself with the example Jesus set before us as suggested in James 1:22-25. The people who hear God’s word and do not obey it are like people who look at themselves in a mirror. They see their faces and go away and quickly forget how foreign their heart is to God.

So, I’m so glad every time I get this “wake up” call. Then I can sing to God, “listen to my heart.” Just like in our physical lives, a check of our hearts before God is a wonderful thing. May the Lord bless you this day !

— Finis